Time and possibly additional treatments

D.J. Verret, MD answers: Correcting scars from a TCA peel

I feel so stupid I peeled my skin way before I should have. I had a 50% tca peel, and I peeled my skin not thinking because it came up so easily. I have round, raised skin, and I have a few scar marks; it is extremely noticable to me but not to others. This did not show until 2 months later. My skin also looks rough. I could cry... I have ruined my skin! I could tell the tca would have worked if I had not touched it. If I get another tca peel and not touch my face and let it peel naturally would that correct it?


D.J. Verret, MD
13 months ago

Greetings Angela,

I would certainly echo the sentiments of Drs. Shelton and Sorokin. Right now, time is your best friend. As Dr. Shelton pointed out if your problems are caused by pigment irregularities, which do occur after chemical peels, they may be treated with topical medications or other lasers. I would highly suggest visiting a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon who performs TCA peels to determine if some additional treatment is necessary. Often these rather easy treatments will fix the problem. Time is another good healer. With time, redness after the peel and some skin irregularities will fade.

Hope this helps.

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More answers to Correcting scars from a TCA peel

A: Don't repeat the same mistake

Scott E. Kasden, MD
10 months ago

From what I have read, I cannot give you credible advice specifically.

What I can tell you is that time is the critical factor here.  How long ago was the peel?  Typically these red areas fade over time, and you should be careful to be patient. 

You shoud also work with you doctor to minimize the need for further corrective treatments.  Some of the things that can help include skin bleachers, steroids, scar fade creams like Mederma or Post Balm, and even some other modalities like microdermabrasion and possibly lasers/IPL.

Again, it takes a lot of time for the skin to heal, and the process is dynamic so expect to change treatments over time.  Since you want to avoid scars and the need for additional treatments, be open and honest with your doctor, and follow instructions exactly.

While you heal, you can use concealing makeup to give you confidence in public.

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